Don't Jump Ship

“Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Acts 27:31 

When Paul set out to fulfill the call of God upon his life, he encountered many obstacles and trials along the way. But Paul never quit. Instead, he leaned hard on his relationship with Christ and stood on the promises of God (Philippians 4:11-13). As a result, the trials that he faced not only strengthened his faith and resolve, but worked out for the good.

For example, Paul resolved to expand his gospel ministry to Rome (Acts 19:21). But while he was in Jerusalem, he was arrested. During his trial before Roman authorities, which was based on trumped up charges, he made an appeal for his case to be heard by the highest court, Caesar. As a result, the Roman judge ordered that Paul be taken to Rome by a Roman guard. Paul, who had no control over how he was going to get to Rome, was led unto a ship headed toward his God given destination.
 
While on this voyage with over 200 passengers that included many prisoners, the ship encountered a fierce storm. But as the storm raged, God assured Paul that everyone on that ship would make it safely to shore. However, as the ship got closer to shore, the sailors were secretly preparing to abandon ship on boats. When Paul became aware of this secret plot, he warned the Centurion and Roman soldiers in charge, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." 

There are at least 3 reasons why they had to stay together.
1. It seems to be that although they had no control over the raging storm, the sailors knew how to operate the ship.
2. God had revealed to Paul that everyone on that ship would be saved, which seems to imply that they would all stay together.
3. And most important, was that God's favor was on the Apostle Paul who was on that ship.
 
The soldiers had authority over the passengers. The sailors knew how to operate the ship. But God was sovereign over all, including the storm. And Paul, who was on a mission for Christ, with God's favor and guidance, was going to reach his divine destination, along with all those on the ship helping to get him there. He had God's promise that all things will work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Being in the will of God or on mission for God doesn't guarantee that you will not go through a storm. But what we can be assured of is that if we don't jump ship, God can turn obstacles into opportunities to see His hand at work in our lives in ways we never thought possible. No matter how hard it may seem, stay in the will and favor of God.
 
As a well-known poem so wonderfully states: "So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--It's when things seem worst that you must not quit."

Blessings,
Pastor Marco